Instructional Assistant, Special Education

Achieve Early College High School; McAllen (TX); On-site; USD 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Achieve Early College High School, part of McAllen ISD, seeks an Instructional Assistant, Special Education to support classroom teachers and foster the growth of students with special needs. You will assist with academic activities, behavior management, and daily routines in a busy school setting, under the supervision of a special education teacher.

The role requires a high school diploma and preferred paraprofessional certification; some college hours are expected.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent; Associate degree or 48 college hours.
• Paraprofessional Certification preferred (required upon employment).
• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions; communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher in daily classroom operations and provide a supportive learning environment.
• Assist with behavior management and medical needs of students.
• Supervise students throughout the workday; assist with feeding and toileting as needed.
• Follow district customer service standards and assist in preparing instructional materials.

Skills

Communication skills

Emotional intelligence

Reading & writing simple instructions

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate degree or 48 college hours

Paraprofessional Certification (preferred/required upon employment)

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Instructional Assistant, Special Education

McAllen Independent School District Achieve Early College High School - McAllen, Texas Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5907806
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Aug 28, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)
Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

To assist the classroom teacher in providing curriculum activities and experiences designed to their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical and social growth of all special education students

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

• High School Diploma or equivalent, required
• Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required
• Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to read, write, and comprehend simple instructions; ability to work with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students; ability to maintain composure under stressful conditions; and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Basic computer skills performed, preferred

Experience:

• Background in working with special needs children or adults, preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 1. Assist teacher in daily classroom operations and help provide a supportive learning environment.
• 2. Assist with behavior management and medical needs of students.
• 3. Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
• 4. Feed or help students feed themselves.
• 5. Assist with special toileting needs.
• 6. Monitor students to and from buses, in cafeteria, in inclusion classrooms and in hallways to and from activities.
• 7. Sanitize room and equipment.
• 8. Assist teachers in planning and preparation of instructional materials.
• 9. Under supervision of the special education teacher, work with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• 10. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.
• 11. Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment, and other office or classroom machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

• Ability to make rational decisions under stressful circumstances; deal with special needs children in a caring, supportive, but non-emotional manner

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Ability to lift or move at least 40 pounds and push over 100 pounds; must be able to work in a noisy environment; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene; assist in restraining students in crisis situations.

Days:187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $14.50

Maximum: $20.24

Note:Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined indvidually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $14.75 to $20.37 Per Hour

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Miguel Carmona , Principal
• Achieve Early College High School
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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